Kindergeld and family benefits from England are a topic of interest to many Polish families living and working in Germany. The situation becomes particularly relevant when one parent works in Germany, the other in the United Kingdom, and the children live in one of these countries.
Can you receive German Kindergeld and British Child Benefit at the same time? Did Brexit change the rules for receiving family benefits? Which country should pay the benefit, and what should you do if you are already receiving a benefit from the United Kingdom?
Kindergeld and Child Benefit – What Are These Benefits?
Kindergeld is a German family benefit paid by the Familienkasse. As a general rule, it is available for children up to the age of 18 and, in certain circumstances, also for older children, for example if they are continuing their education or vocational training.
The main British equivalent is Child Benefit. It is a benefit paid to a person responsible for raising a child. In the 2026/2027 tax year, the rate is £27.05 per week for the eldest or only child and £17.90 per week for each additional child.
It is important to remember that Kindergeld and Child Benefit are benefits from two different countries. The fact that a parent works in Germany while also receiving a benefit from the United Kingdom does not automatically mean that they are entitled to receive both benefits in full.
Kindergeld and family benefits from England (Child Benefit) are a common issue for families where one parent works in Germany and the other in the United Kingdom. After Brexit, the rules governing family benefits between Germany and the United Kingdom changed, which is why many people wonder whether they can receive both benefits at the same time.
Kindergeld and Child Benefit – Can You Receive Both Benefits?
In certain situations, it is possible to be entitled to benefits from both Germany and the United Kingdom. However, this does not automatically mean that you are entitled to receive two full benefits for the same child.
If a family is subject to the rules on the coordination of family benefits, it must be determined which country is responsible for paying the benefit as a priority. The other country may then pay a differential payment, meaning the difference between the benefit due in that country and the amount already paid by the country with primary responsibility.
When Can You Receive Full Benefits?
Full benefits from Germany and the United Kingdom may be possible if they do not arise from the same entitlement for the same child and the same period. However, you cannot simply receive full Kindergeld and full Child Benefit for the same child just because the parents work in two different countries.
When Is a Differential Payment Available?
If both parents are entitled to family benefits in Germany and the United Kingdom, and the coordination rules apply, one country will generally be considered the country with primary responsibility.
For example, if Germany pays Kindergeld and the British benefit would be higher, the United Kingdom may, in certain circumstances, pay only the difference. You would not receive two full benefits in this situation.
Kindergeld and Child Benefit After Brexit
Brexit has a significant impact on entitlement to British Child Benefit. Not everyone currently living in Germany can automatically receive the British benefit.
Important factors include, among others, the date of the move, the place of residence of the parents and children, the place of employment, and the social security system to which the parents are subject. People whose circumstances are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement may, under certain conditions, retain their rights to family benefits.
Therefore, when determining entitlement to Kindergeld and Child Benefit, the situation of the entire family must be considered, rather than only the place where one parent is employed.
Do You Have to Report Child Benefit to the Familienkasse?
Yes. If a parent or another member of the family receives a family benefit from the United Kingdom, this information should be provided to the Familienkasse. It is relevant when determining entitlement to Kindergeld and any potential differential payment.
Summary
Kindergeld and family benefits from England depend primarily on the family and employment situation of the parents, as well as the rules that apply after Brexit.
For the same child and the same period, the general rule is that this does not mean receiving two full benefits. If both countries are required to take the benefits into account, one country may pay the primary benefit, while the other may pay a differential payment, meaning the difference between the two benefits.
If, however, the benefits arise from separate entitlements, the situation may be different.